Martha C. Fox, Rice Lake, WI/formerly Janesville, WI (1961-2013)

Martha C. Fox, age 52, of Rice Lake, WI, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on Nov. 21, 2013, at home surrounded by her family. She was born on Aug. 26, 1961, in La Crosse, WI, to Keith and Lorna (Hanson) Collins. Martha graduated from Janesville Craig High School in 1979. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in French and English Education from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 1983. She completed her Master’s Degree from the University of St. Scholastica of Duluth, MN. She was a lifelong teacher of French and English in the Rice Lake School District right up until her death. On July 25, 1987, she was married to David Fox of Rice Lake. She loved being a wife and mother. She truly enjoyed teaching, cooking, gardening, and entertaining. She had a flair for fashion and was co-owner of Lillian’s Clothing Boutique in Rice Lake. She was a Girl Scout leader and active member on many church committees. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she served as student council advisor and varsity cheerleading advisor. She led several high school French trips abroad. She and her husband enjoyed curling, “pontooning” on the lake by their home, and spending time with their many friends.

Martha is survived by her husband, David; her daughter, Erica (fiancé Austin Holmstrom), all of Rice Lake; and her sister, Melanie (Steven) Ryan of Delavan, WI. She is also survived by numerous uncles, aunts, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2013, at ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH in Rice Lake, WI, with Father David Oberts officiating, with interment in Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 3 until 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 25, 2013, at APPLEYARD’S HOME FOR FUNERALS in Rice Lake, and for one hour prior to the service on Tuesday at the CHURCH.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Pink Ribbon Society of Barron County.